Bouncing back.
Audience: This article is aimed at all those who want a basic understanding of resilience whether in UX or not. This is a very-low technical read.
In this 500 words or less…
We discuss 4 practical strategies to develop resilience or “bouncing back” in the modern corporate era and beyond
Regardless of your role or experience level, navigating the workplace requires developing soft, or real skills, particularly resilience. Psychological resilience has been extensively studied and recognized as a modern, crucial skill to help us manage the pressures we all face today in our work environments. From my experience, personal observation and mentoring in UX (and beyond), it's clear that cultivating resilience is among the most beneficial emotional skills an individual can acquire.
But what is resilience? Is it gritting your teeth and getting on with it? Even researchers are split on the true definition, however, in simple terms, resilience is “a process whereby people bounce back from adversity and go on with their lives”
This opens up a couple of questions for us to think about:
How can we learn to bounce back?
How we can we prepare for adverse situations?
Consider 4 simple behavioural strategies for developing resilience, or bouncing back:
1. Developing a growth mindset
Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than seeing them as insurmountable obstacles (if possible)
Learning to view failures as learning experiences and setbacks as (hopefully) temporary
2. Developing other key emotional intelligence skills
Understanding how other “real skills” like self-awareness, regulation and empathy may be key factors in building overall resilience
Using these skills to help others develop their resilience and personal awareness, if appropriate and beneficial.
3. Building social connections
Strengthening internal (work) and external (outside work) relationships with the right type of people
Seeking support and guidance from key individuals during times of struggle and being able to give it back when needed
4. Cultivating optimism and gratitude
Practicing gratitude regularly by reflecting on things you’re thankful for (try it, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you’re grateful for)
Focusing on positive aspects of situations and maintaining an optimistic outlook (if possible)
In the UX field, we often encounter frequent complex challenges. From meeting design project deadlines to effectively communicating complex research insights to executives and collaborating with colleagues, the workload is often rewarding but demanding. These pressures can naturally take a toll and whilst developing resilience won't solve all unique work challenges, it may help individuals protect their well-being, find meaning in their work, and approach difficult situations with a positive outlook.
Reflection 🤔
Resilience isn't always just about toughing it out; it's about carrying on despite challenges and aiming to move forward. It means trying to embrace growth, learning from failures, and being ready when challenging situations happen, because in life and in professional practice, they will. By thinking about evidence-based strategies, we can try to build resilience and thrive in trying situations.
Developing a growth mindset, understanding and managing emotions, building strong connections, staying optimistic, and taking care of our physical & mental health are all crucial. With these tools, we can try to navigate change with confidence, not just surviving, but thriving.
So let's focus on upgrading our emotional resilience. By doing so, we'll not only succeed individually but also hopefully foster a culture of resilience within our own organisations.
To think about from this 500 words:
Resilience in the workplace: Resilience is crucial in navigating challenges in the workplace, requiring emotional and psychological adaptability.
Strategies for building resilience: Strategies for developing resilience include fostering a growth mindset, building emotional awareness and regulation, strengthening social connections, cultivating optimism and gratitude, and prioritising physical and mental health.
Embracing a growth mindset: Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and viewing failures as temporary setbacks are key components of a growth mindset.
Being realistic: people are different and will approach “bouncing back” in multiple ways, aim for a pragmatic mindset and work with resilience on your terms with people you trust.
What are 500 words or less?
Short-form pieces around behavioural science, digital transformation, applied research, data-science, business and domain specific UX interests from the brain of Haydyn Phillips. Ideas are distilled, reduced and challenged in as few words as possible, therefore full concepts may not be articulated as comprehensively as some wish.
Often I’ll provide data supported by relevant literature. However, this may be erroneous, out of date or de-bunked, so please take the time to do your own investigations if you’re so inclined. I don’t write politically, culturally or organisationally divisive or critical narratives, I aim to educate, interrogate and provide perspectives to help people think critically about their career and behaviours in digital and beyond.
None of this is medical, legal or professional advice. Out of respect, this information is purely my opinion based on experience and does not necessarily represent the views of the company I work for or other institutions I am affiliated with.
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